In the past few years, there has been a surge in the number of people turning to the Internet for news, entertainment, education and other information. Online video consumption continues to rise, with the online streaming market predicted to be worth $247 billion by 2027. Companies are jumping on this trend to build brand awareness and provide value to their audiences.
However, many are seizing this opportunity to monetize their video content and build their own OTT broadcast services and platforms.
Today, we’ll discuss exactly what OTT streaming is, before comparing the 10 best OTT streaming platform services that viewers use to access their favorite video content. We will then compare the 10 best OTT platforms that broadcasters use to host, manage and monetize their online video libraries. We’ll cover Uscreen, Kaltura, Hulu, Dacast, Brightcove and more.
What does OTT platform mean?
OTT (over-the-top) streaming services help content creators bring their content to viewers over the Internet.
OTT stands for “over-the-top” and refers to a method of media distribution that serves as an alternative to traditional satellite or cable television. We are entering a future where most media is delivered and consumed via the Internet.
OTT technology is distributing more and more media every day. In fact, some industry leaders are advocating that we stop distinguishing between OTT and broadcast television altogether.
OTT streaming services are applications or websites that viewers use to access their favorite shows and movies. These services can be accessed on a variety of connected devices, including smart TVs, game consoles, computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets.
Typically, OTT streaming services restrict access to paying viewers. Viewers can pay for access on a pay-per-view basis or subscribe to the platform for unlimited on-demand access. Sometimes, broadcasters monetize their content through sponsored advertising.
OTT Streaming Industry Overview
OTT streaming platforms are more popular than ever because it puts more control in the hands of the viewer and the broadcaster. Thanks to OTT platform technology, both creators and consumers are free from the rules and restrictions of TV networks.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the top trends in OTT streaming
As more viewers cut the cable cord, streaming on smart TVs and CTV is on the rise
OTT marketing is expected to be worth $1.039 trillion by 2027.
As more OTT platforms enter the market, user experience is more important than ever
More than half of OTT revenue comes from advertising
In the US, nearly one-third of OTT subscribers are Netflix
Live streaming accounts for only 24% of global OTT streaming
OTT streaming platform in 2022 #1 – Uscreen
The overall OTT platform for video monetization ($79 per month)
Uscreen, the video content monetization platform. Whether you want on-demand or live content directly to your viewers, their all-in-one platform has you covered.
Uscreen is the leading OTT platform for launching and managing video streaming apps for TVs and smartphones. With an average release time of 30-60 days, it is one of the fastest OTT platforms.
Monetization of video on demand (VoD) and global live streaming services also makes it an excellent choice.
This turnkey video monetization platform offers multiple pricing models, including fixed price, subscription, rental/PPV, bundle, free and free trial.
What’s more, its fast encoding delivers a cross-platform 4K UHD video experience on any type of Internet connection.
Branding freedom to personalize your app and align it with your brand is another great feature that makes Uscreen my video platform of choice for building your brand with monetizable content.
OTT streaming platform in 2022 #2 – Kaltura
On our list, Kaltura is an OTT tool that specializes in webinars, town halls, conferences and virtual classrooms.
It’s perfect not only for businesses that stream conferences, virtual pitches or hold focus groups, but also for educational institutions that need a virtual learning space.
It’s also open source software, so if you use it, your data belongs to you and not the streaming platform. However, this comes at a price. the Kaltura platform does not support social sharing, video looping and bulk uploads, among many other features.
OTT streaming platform in 2022 #3 – Hulu
Hulu is the third largest OTT service in the U.S. and currently holds 11% of the market share in the country. This video streaming platform is one of the most versatile in the market as it offers multiple pricing plans, live TV packages (including popular sports channels such as ESPN and NBC) and even convenient bundle deals for ESPN+ and Disney+.
Hulu also stands out for the variety of content it offers. Users can enjoy anything from popular comedy and drama shows to blockbuster thrillers and documentaries. In addition to its excellent selection of content genres, Hulu boasts some well-loved original content such as Nine Perfect Strangers, False Positive, Castle Rock, Wu-Tang. American Legend,” and much more.
The biggest drawback of this provider is that the cheapest subscription plans also have ads, so getting rid of them costs extra. Also, the package that includes live TV is quite expensive at $64.99. But if you don’t mind the higher price, Hulu is certainly one of the most versatile options on the market.
OTT streaming platform in 2022 #4 – Dacast
Dacast provides live streaming and VoD solutions for mobile devices and other platforms. It further offers the ability to increase the content footprint. It also offers the creation of professional all-device video players, video transcoding and streaming recording.
Dacast makes monetization smooth with easy API integration through VoD. Thanks to the HTML5 player, it is compatible with all devices. High quality video streaming is possible through CDN. Therefore, we see Dacast as an all-in-one streaming solution.
Dacast integrates with Akamai CDN to ensure high quality video streaming. With this OTT platform, you can fully customize and brand your service.
OTT streaming platform in 2022 #5 – Brightcove
Brightcove is one of the leading service providers in the OTT video content industry. brightcove’s goal is to simplify video delivery, regardless of location or device. It facilitates the same through a unique toolset that adds value to the user experience quotient. From retail e-commerce to arts and entertainment, Brightcove serves them all.
Features.
1、Interactive advertising capabilities
2、Social media sharing
3、Multi-screen video distribution
Choosing the right video software vendor can be a game changer for your organization. You should weigh the pros and cons of each vendor before coming to a valid conclusion. It should meet all your needs, must have the basic features discussed earlier, and should be inconvenient in terms of cost effectiveness!
Best OTT streaming platform in 2022 #6 – Xmediacloud
XMediaCloud is a one-stop, cloud-based, and multi-screen online video platform solution offering services on live streaming, VOD and interactive video based on Tencent Cloud global CDN network for media industry and video service providers.
XMediaTV Cloud 5.0 provides a short video presentation, supporting quick viewing in the list after clicking on a video and automatically switching to a small window for seamless playback. It also enhances interactive ability, with detailed page supporting like, share, subscribe and favorite functions.
Empowered by Tencent Cloud TRTC, our new generation of Media Cloud provides complete interactive live streaming functions. Supports simultaneous live streaming in multiple rooms, high concurrent streaming, and interactions to support live streaming needs from various scales and different industries. It also supports content security, dynamic watermarking, IP detection and pornography detection to ensure the safety of live content.
What is an OTT Platform Provider?
Features
1. Limited or no ability to create features not envisioned in the original CMS, such as layouts, web applications, etc.
2.Increased need for special expertise and training for content authors
Meet the full range of customer streaming modules from LiveTV, Time-shift TV, Catch-up TV, Mosaic TV, Picture-in-Picture TV, AVOD/FVOD/SVOD/TVOD for a better user experience.
Capable of seamless integration with operators’ own systems. Payment system, business operating system, office assistant, third party account login, etc.
3.Our powerful 24-hour adaptive streaming ensures the impact of your video playing in any network state. It’s compatible with 1080p, 4K, HD, Ultra HD and other live formats to help your media applications better adapt to different consumers. For more information and customization services, please feel free to contact us with your requirements and our professional engineers will be at your service.
4.Create your APP UI/UX Our designers should not make the key decisions for the user experience; instead, we should allow them to customize the way they interact with our interface to their liking. No one knows how to perfect the experience better than the user. We provide user-based UI and let them decide how best to meet their needs so we can build more inclusive products.
5.Uploading Videos With our user-friendly backend system, you can upload videos easier and faster, without the need for flexible progress. For logging into any browser in the CMS backend. Disadvantages include.
6.Friendly meta-tag editing.
What are The Ways to Generate Revenue From The OTT Streaming Service?
Empowering VOD platforms with video monetization models
◆ SVOD
Subscription-based video-on-demand platform with monthly or annual packages. A carefully curated and customized subscription model to continuously expand the audience base.
◆ AVOD
Play pre-roll, mid-roll and post-roll video-on-demand ad content in carefully designed locations to capture viewers’ attention through AVOD monetization.
◆ TVOD
Transactional VOD or Rental Model provides rights holders with higher revenues, giving consumers timely and retain your customers by offering attractive price incentives.
Conclusion
Transactional VOD or rental models provide higher revenue for rights holders, timely service for consumers, and retention of your customers by offering attractive pricing incentives.
When you decide to choose a reputable OTT platform provider for your professional broadcasting requirements, it is necessary to conduct an in-depth analysis and research.
We hope that this comparative list article will give you a better understanding. During the ideation phase of choosing the right OTT provider, create a list of the must-have features you need to achieve your main goals and compare it with the features offered by your top competitors.
Do you want to stand out from your competitors? Xmediacloud is the right choice for it. They can help content owners produce the best online video platform with over 100 streaming features and 6+ ways to monetize. You also have the option to attend a demo session.